Moving from Fort Collins, CO to McAllen, TX
The drive from Fort Collins, CO to McAllen, TX runs 1217 mi — about 22h 4m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1217 mi · 22h 4m by car · CO → OK → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | CO → OK → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 287, US 281, US 83 |
| Major cities en route | Greeley, Boulder, Arvada, Westminster, Thornton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fort Collins | McAllen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.128 | 85.895 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.156 | 81.186 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.052 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 120.592 | 55.892 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 101.128 to 85.895, putting McAllen roughly 15.1% below Fort Collins on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in McAllen: 15.1% below Fort Collins on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Fort Collins -1.4%, McAllen +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Fort Collins | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 76°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 49°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 98°F |
| Annual snowfall | 51.4" | 0.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 15.9" | 18.7" |
Major climate step-up: 24.8°F warmer annual average in McAllen vs Fort Collins.
Effectively snow-free year in McAllen — NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: FT COLLINS, CO US, MCALLEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fort Collins | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 169,705 | 143,789 |
| Median household income | $83,598 | $60,165 |
| Median age | 30.6 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 34.3% | 20.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.98 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 15.1% between Fort Collins and McAllen (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in McAllen MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 49,560 | $22,940 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 42,390 | $22,490 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 35,950 | $34,890 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 28,370 | $58,670 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 26,190 | $23,220 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Colorado and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April — check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in McAllen average 98°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (24.8°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in McAllen compared to Fort Collins?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $229,001 in McAllen vs $563,815 in Fort Collins — a 59.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Fort Collins and McAllen?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 75.5°F in McAllen vs 50.7°F in Fort Collins (24.8°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.1 in vs 51.4 in. Annual precipitation: 18.7 in vs 15.9 in.
How does household income compare in Fort Collins vs McAllen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,165 in McAllen vs $83,598 in Fort Collins — a 28.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in McAllen compare to Fort Collins?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $32,550 in the McAllen MSA vs $50,820 in the Fort Collins MSA, on total employment of 285,850 and 173,230 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is McAllen, TX from Fort Collins, CO?
The driving distance is 1217 mi and the route typically takes 22h 4m via US 287 and US 281. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Fort Collins to McAllen?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1217 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is McAllen more expensive than Fort Collins?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in McAllen is 15.1% lower than Fort Collins (85.895 vs 101.128, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Fort Collins.
City profiles: Fort Collins, CO · McAllen, TX.